Vectoring of Plasma Thrusters for CubeSats
Abstract
Small satellites have become increasingly important in servicing the requirements of space communications, space technology development and pure scientific research. The concurrent miniaturisation of sensors and satellite subsystems has resulted in a boom in the number of small satellite missions sent into orbit and beyond. One aspect of small satellite operations remains to be satisfactorily addressed; the ability to control the orbit and orientation of a small satellite given these constraints. Using new information on plasma behaviour obtained from novel experiments, we will target a small, cheap, reliable solid state thruster system suitable for a small satellite that can enable attitude control and orbit modification (including de orbiting). Controlling the orientation of a satellite, and manipulating that satellite’s orbit reliability can be achieved by controlling the direction of thrust. Several solutions providing this capability have been proposed and used, including gimballed thrusters, mechanically displaced ion grids, and asymmetric magnetic fields to deflect a plasma exhaust plume. All previous solutions suffer one or more disadvantage such as high power requirements, large mass or volume, or use slow and unreliable mechanical parts (such as valves or gimbals that are prone to degradation) that makes their use in a small satellite implausible. Recently, however, advances in design and computational simulation show that low power magnetic vectoring of plasmas may be possible with an arrangement of coaxial coils (Merino and Adehu, 2017). This system involves no moving parts, and could provide rapid response in a compact unit that can be easily integrated with existing plasma ejecta electric propulsion systems, although it assumes a fully ionized plasma.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jan 14, 2022
- Source ID
- FA23861914012
Entities
People
- John Cater
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Auckland